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BBC splurges £13.5m on ‘threatograms’

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By John Glenday, Reporter

March 5, 2012 | 1 min read

The BBC has come under fire in the tabloids following reports that the broadcaster has spent £13.5m over the past four years issuing 85m payment demands.

So called ‘threatograms’ are issued automatically to those who neglect to cough up the £145.50 annual charge, they cost the BBC 18.3p per letter in postage to issue.

The standard letter states: “If we don't hear from you, our Enforcement Division will schedule a visit. Should the investigation find you are watching TV illegally, you could be prosecuted."

If found guilty a fine of up to £1,000 can be levied.

Even this underestimates the true cost however as it does not factor in the expense of “paper, ink, printing, finishing and enclosing”.

The BBC refused to divulge the final tally for this work as the service has been subcontracted to the Communis Group.

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